Are you searching for a simple sugar cookie recipe that skips the butter without skimping on flavor? Look no further! Over the weekend, I stumbled upon a delightful kitchen revelation a 3-ingredient sugar cookies without butter recipe that is both fuss-free and incredibly satisfying.
Made with just three basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, this recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to whip up some delightful sweets at a moment’s notice.
How to make 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies Without Butter
3-ingredient sugar cookies without butter are a simple cookie that typically consists of just three basic ingredients: sugar, a type of flour (like almond or coconut flour), and an egg. This recipe omits butter, making it a lighter option. The cookies are quick to prepare and bake, resulting in a sweet, slightly chewy treat that can be customized with additional flavors or toppings if desired.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour: This will be the base of your cookies, giving them structure and texture.
- 3/4 cup of vegetable oil — A perfect alternative to butter, vegetable oil will keep your cookies moist and hold them together while also making this recipe dairy-free.
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar — This will sweeten your cookies just right without overwhelming them.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your cooking environment is at the perfect temperature by the time your cookie dough is ready to go in.
- Mix the ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sugar and vegetable oil. Mix them together until they are well blended. Gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms. It should be smooth and pliable.
- Shape the cookies. Take spoonfuls of the dough and roll them into balls. Place these balls onto a non-stick baking sheet or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand to give them the traditional cookie shape.
- Bake the cookies. Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown.
- Cool the cookies. Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool down.
Tips
- Dough Consistency: If your dough is too crumbly, you can add a little more vegetable oil, one teaspoon at a time, until the dough comes together. If it’s too wet, add flour a tablespoon at a time until it feels right.
- Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar based on your sweetness preference. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, start with 1/3 cup of sugar and adjust accordingly.
- Flavor Variation: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon.
- Texture: For a softer cookie, make sure not to overbake. Pull them out when they’re just set.
- Decoration: Post-baking, sprinkle a little sugar on top or dip the cookies in melted chocolate for a decorative touch.
- Storage: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.
What to serve with
These simple yet delicious sugar cookies are wonderfully versatile, making them an excellent base for various pairings.
1. Hot Beverages
- Tea: A classic choice, tea complements the subtle sweetness of sugar cookies beautifully. Opt for flavors like Earl Grey or Chamomile for a relaxing treat, or spice things up with a Chai for a warming sensation.
- Coffee: Serve your sugar cookies with a robust cup of freshly brewed coffee. The bitterness of the coffee creates a perfect balance with the sweet, crumbly cookies.
- Hot Chocolate: A mug of rich, creamy hot chocolate makes a delightful pair with sugar cookies, especially during colder months. Top the hot chocolate with whipped cream or marshmallows for an added treat.
2. Cold Beverages
- Milk: Dunking sugar cookies in a cold glass of milk is a nostalgic and beloved combination. This pairing is particularly popular among kids and for those with a sweet tooth.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: Pair your sugar cookies with a cold glass of iced tea or homemade lemonade for a refreshing twist. This pairing is perfect for outdoor summer gatherings.
3. Dessert Spreads and Toppings
- Ice Cream: Serve your sugar cookies with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. Vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry ice cream works well with the light flavor of the cookies. Even better, make an ice cream sandwich with two sugar cookies!
- Fruit Compote or Fresh Fruits: Top your sugar cookies with a dollop of fruit compote for an added layer of flavor. Alternatively, fresh fruits like sliced strawberries, raspberries, or a sprinkle of pomegranate can add a refreshing, tangy contrast to the cookies.
- Nutella or Peanut Butter: For a decadent treat, spread a thin layer of Nutella or peanut butter over your sugar cookies. This combination is both rich and satisfying.
4. Cheese
- Soft Cheeses: Serve your sugar cookies with soft cheeses like mascarpone or cream cheese. The creaminess of the cheese coupled with the crispiness of the cookie is a delightful experience. You can even add a drizzle of honey or a pinch of cinnamon to elevate the flavors.
5. Wine
- Dessert Wines: For an adult indulgence, pair your sugar cookies with a sweet dessert wine such as Port, Moscato, or a late-harvest Riesling. The sweet flavors of the wine will complement the crisp, mild flavors of the cookies.
Ingredients Substitutes
Making 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies without butter doesn’t mean you have to compromise on taste or texture. In fact, it opens up many possibilities for those with dietary restrictions, preferences, or simply those looking to experiment with what’s in their pantry. Here are some detailed substitutes for each of the core ingredients in this simplified cookie recipe:
Sugar Substitutes
Sugar not only sweetens the cookies but also affects their texture and color.
- Coconut Sugar: This can be used in a 1:1 ratio for white sugar and offers a deeper flavor profile.
- Maple Syrup: If using a liquid sweetener like maple syrup, the ratio isn’t 1:1, and other recipe adjustments might be needed. Typically, you’d use ¾ cup of maple syrup for every 1 cup of sugar and reduce other liquid ingredients in the recipe.
- Honey: Similar to maple syrup, honey can be substituted using a slightly reduced amount. Expect a slight change in flavor.
Egg Substitutes
Eggs provide structure and help to bind the ingredients together. If you’re avoiding eggs:
- Flax Eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg and let it sit for 15 minutes to thicken.
- Applesauce: Use ¼ cup of unsweetened apple sauce to replace one egg. This makes for a softer cookie.
- Mashed Banana: Using ¼ cup of mashed banana binds the ingredients and adds a hint of banana flavor to your cookies.
Final Thoughts
Experimenting with substitutes in 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookies without butter can be rewarding, opening up the recipe to those with different dietary needs or preferences. Always remember that substitutes can change the texture and flavor of the final product, so it may take a couple of tries to get your perfect cookie.
More Cookie Recipes:
- Almond Flour Butter Cookies Recipe
- Coconut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Mini Butter Cookies Recipe
- Mexican Butter Cookies Recipe
- Broma Bakery Brown Butter Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup of vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your cooking environment is at the perfect temperature by the time your cookie dough is ready to go in.
- Mix the ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sugar and vegetable oil. Mix them together until they are well blended. Gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms. It should be smooth and pliable.
- Shape the cookies. Take spoonfuls of the dough and roll them into balls. Place these balls onto a non-stick baking sheet or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand to give them the traditional cookie shape.
- Bake the cookies. Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown.
- Cool the cookies. Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool down.
